Analysis of the proposed implementation of the new Army Communications and Information Systems Specialist (ACISS) Trade using the Managed Readiness Simulator (MARS)

Defence R&D Canada - Centre for Operational Research and Analysis, Ottawa ON (CAN)

Abstract

The Army is in the process of restructuring the Signals Non-Commissioned Members occupations to create a new Army Communication & Information Systems Specialist (ACISS) occupation by combining the current Land Communications and Information Systems Technician; Signal Operator; and Lineman occupations. In order to validate the complex ACISS structure concept and to optimize the implementation and sustainment of this new occupation, the Managed Readiness Simulator (MARS) program was used to conduct some population modelling analysis. The ACISS structure along with a proposed intake and training plan were successfully modelled in MARS for a 12 year period. Preliminary results showed that it would take approximately nine years to fill most of the vacant positions in the ACISS structure due to bottlenecks in the training system indicating that the proposed training plan was inadequate to support the proposed intake plan. Proposals to address these bottlenecks were then examined along with proposed reductions to the intake plan to prevent trained recruits from being unable to find a job in the ACISS structure. The result of the proposed changes was an ACISS structure filled in approximately half the time of the initial training proposal and one that allowed virtually all new recruits to find a position in the ACISS structure. Finally, it was recommended that MARS be run both periodically and whenever changes are proposed to forecast potential issues with the ACISS occupation so